Single Review: Found Missing? – Now I’m Awake

Now I’m Awake. Not only is it the title of Essex rockers Found Missing?’s new single, but also what I exclaimed after having heard it; an audible shot of caffeine if you will…

All-in-all, it’s a damn good rock song. It mustn’t have been particularly taxing for the band as the track’s runtime is effortlessly brimmed with instantaneously indelible riff work and tempered with a justifiably ostentatious level of groove. 

Purely labelling them as a rock band, however, does no favours when trying to understand what Found Missing? is. Well, while the name itself has yet to lose its baby teeth, with a single EP under its belt, its members host lashings of musical pedigree descending from the likes of Cosmic Joker, Twelvepointhead and La Muerte; experience that is pivotal to the track’s well-refined tone. 

With regards to their writing, Found Missing? rather encouragingly have no interest in keeping things entirely orthodox. Gid’s bass work could have easily been delegated copycat status to the lead lines of Dean Pullen but instead we’re spoiled with an oscillating lick that bleeds nicely throughout Now I’m Awake’s DNA. The band then gradually scales through its reserved verse before shattering the lull with Justin Brett’s harmonious yet throaty wails; it’s where the song truly hits its peak.

There are momentary shortcomings here and there, with production mishaps being the unfortunate sore thumb in this case. Pullen’s riff work simply ‘sounds’ loud but lacks presence within the mixing (sort of like a mouse screaming into a megaphone) to give the track’s more abrasive moments the hearty chug that rock fans crave; something easily glossed over as an inevitable teething issue for a band in its inceptive stages.

Discrepancies aside, Found Missing? is more than capable of leaving a resounding impression upon first listening with clear potential for the band to flourish this blend of anthemic hard-rock riffage with insatiable funk-driven grooves; I shall be listening with an eager ear. 

Now I’m Awake will be available to stream from the 15th of May 2020

Rating: 7/10

By Alex Mace

Featured Image: Enso Music Management

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